Overview
- U.S. officials said a multi-domain raid, Operation Absolute Resolve, seized Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Caracas and moved them to the USS Iwo Jima bound for New York to face Southern District of New York charges.
- Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said more than 150 aircraft participated, one was hit but remained flyable, and no U.S. personnel were killed.
- President Trump said American oil companies will enter to rebuild Venezuela’s energy sector, signaled readiness for a larger second strike, and did not rule out boots on the ground.
- Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, reported casualties and emergency measures, and was reported sworn in as interim president under the constitution while rejecting cooperation with Washington.
- U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres voiced alarm and governments including Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Cuba and Iran condemned the strikes, as several U.S. lawmakers questioned the absence of congressional authorization.